The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the definitive list of candidates for the area council election in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
In a statement issued on Monday, the electoral body announced that, barring the occurrence of death, political parties are no longer permitted to withdraw or substitute their candidates.
“With this announcement, no additional withdrawal or substitution of candidates will be permitted except in the case of a candidate or running mate’s death prior to election day, as stipulated by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act,” the statement, signed by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, partially stated.
He noted that on August 18, 2025, the commission had published the personal details of candidates who were selected from primaries conducted by political parties for the 2026 FCT area council election.
“A total of 17 political parties submitted the details of their candidates (Form EC9) by the deadline of 6 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, and at the conclusion of the period for withdrawal and substitution of candidates.
“As a result, the commission now publishes the final list of candidates who will compete in the 2026 FCT area council election,” the electoral body declared.
It further stated that the complete list of candidates, categorized by party, age, gender, and academic qualifications, has been made available on our website and social media platforms for public access.
See the full statement below:
INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION
PRESS RELEASE
PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR THE 2026 FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT) AREA COUNCIL ELECTION
It will be recalled that on 18th August 2025, the Commission published the personal particulars of candidates that emerged from primaries conducted by political parties for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election. A total of 17 Political Parties uploaded the particulars of their candidates (Form EC9) by the deadline of 6.00pm on Monday 11th August 2025 and at the end of the period for withdrawal and substitution of candidates.
Consequently, the Commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2026 FCT Area Council Election. The full list of the candidates by party, age, gender and academic qualifications has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.
With this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.
The FCT Area Council election will hold on Saturday 21st February 2026.
Sam Olumekun (MNI)
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee
Monday 22nd September 2025
